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Leinster and Ulster Name Teams for URC Round Seven

Published 18 December 2025

Leinster and Ulster have named their teams for a highly anticipated interprovincial clash in Round Seven of the United Rugby Championship, set for Friday evening at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The match, kicking off at 7:45 p.m. GMT, marks a return to league action following the recent Champions Cup fixtures and features several milestones and injury returns for both sides.

James Ryan will achieve a significant landmark by making his 100th appearance for Leinster, starting in the second row alongside Brian Deeny. Captain Jack Conan leads from number eight, with Scott Penny and Alex Soroka flanking him in the back row. The front row sees a reshuffled lineup, with Jack Boyle at loosehead prop, Gus McCarthy at hooker, and Rabah Slimani at tighthead. In the backs, All Blacks centre Rieko Ioane makes his first URC start outside Charlie Tector, partnering fly-half Sam Prendergast and scrum-half Luke McGrath. Ciarán Frawley starts at fullback, joined on the wings by James Lowe and Joshua Kenny.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has made 11 changes from the side that secured a 23-15 comeback victory over Leicester Tigers last Friday, resting several frontline internationals. Only Lowe, Conan,...

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